The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

A very long time ago, I made a stubborn pledge; I swore off reading mystery novels. Specifically the mainstream kind, anyway. I‘m not quite sure how or why I came to that reasoning, but it obviously didn’t work out very well because, surprisingly, there is a definite reason mainstream mysteries are, well, mainstream. Said reason being, ironically, that they’re actually good — really good.

The Inheritance Games is the first book of a duology awaiting its third instalment, and reading it turned out to be a fantastic decision. So, without further ado, here’s five reasons you should read The Inheritance Games too.

1) First off, likable protagonists are very hard to find in contemporary works today, and I presume they are even harder to write. Evidently, though, that was no major feat for Barnes. The protagonist of The Inheritance Games is Avery Kylie Grambs, an intelligent and resilient sixteen-year-old. By some stroke of talent, Barnes managed to write a smart character that isn’t simultaneously incompetent and annoying. In fact, it never feels as though Avery is a savant of some sort — a cliché troubled genius, if you will — even though she is incredibly smart. You find yourself believing that she earned and worked for her intellect the whole time.

2) It’s one of the most atmospheric books you will ever read. I was fully and irrevocably immersed in the settings Barnes creates. It reads exactly like a movie, and not because of any comprise on the writing’s behalf. On the contrary, the writing was crystal clear and the vocabulary was masterfully hand-picked for some solid impact.

3) The characters. They were so lively and dynamic, they felt real. Undoubtedly, creating believable characters is one of the most challenging parts of telling a story, but all of Barnes’ characters had personality and life breathed into them. This isn’t to say that they were perfect — they were very flawed people, in fact. The Hawthorne brothers, particularly, were wonderfully so. Even Avery made some morally questionable decisions along the way, but that just adds untold depth to their auras. If you like getting unhealthily attached to fictional characters, you’ll love The Inheritance Games.

4) The mystery is so well-done. From the twists and turns, to the moments where all the skilfully scattered hints click together — Jennifer Lynn Barnes creates a superb plot for this book. It’s fast-paced, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and compels you to finish it in a single setting. Really, it was great. Take my word for it.

5) Previously, I mentioned how the book reads a lot like a movie because of how visual the writing is. However, there’s a movie in particular that it reads like — Knives Out. You know, the movie with the millionaire author who leaves his fortune to his nurse? James Bond playing a Southern detective? Captain America in cable-knit sweaters? Yeah, that one. If you enjoyed Knives Out, you will love The Inheritance Games.

To conclude, The Inheritance Games is a fantastic blend of great storytelling, incredible atmosphere, well-rounded characters and an even better plot. Even if reading isn’t your cup of tea, the Inheritance Games will pull you in.

Give it a try — you won’t regret it.